SPORTY LALIGA announces the nominees for the African MVP

LALIGA has announced the candidates for the 2025/26 LALIGA DEPORTIVA MVP, an award that honors the best African player in the Spanish top division this season.

In its fifth edition, this award continues to honor the profound influence of African players on LALIGA EA SPORTS, highlighting the growing presence of African talent in Spanish and European football.

The winner will join an esteemed list of previous winners, including two-time winner Iñaki Williams of Athletic Club (Ghana), Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze and Morocco’s star goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

Organized in partnership with SPORTY, one of Africa’s leading sports entertainment and technology brands, the award emphasizes SPORTY and LALIGA’s shared commitment to strengthening connections between Spanish and African football, celebrating players who inspire fans across the continent on a weekly basis.

Miguel Puche, Brand Director of Sporty Group, said: “The SPORTY LALIGA MVP continues to showcase the exceptional contributions of African players to Spanish football. At SPORTY, we believe that football unites fans around the world, and this award recognizes players who inspire millions of fans across Africa every weekend. We are proud to collaborate with LALIGA to honor these stars and deepen fan engagement.”

Voting begins on March 17 and will run until May 10, 2026. Fans can cast votes at https://miliga.laliga.com/en-ES?utm_source=sporty&utm_medium=notadeprensa&utm_campaign=202603_SPORTYLALIGAMVP_GMF_PRU&utm_content=static&utm_term=na. The final decision combines the votes of fans in sub-Saharan Africa and a panel of experts, including journalists and football stakeholders. The winner will be announced at a special event in Lagos, Nigeria, on May 23, concluding the LALIGA EA SPORTS season.

Tresor Penku, General Director of LALIGA Africa, commented: “African football has always been fundamental to LALIGA, and its influence grows every year. The LA SPORTY LALIGA MVP, now in its fifth edition, celebrates the best African talents and offers fans the opportunity to honor the players who proudly represent their nations in the stadiums of Spain every week.”

Among this year’s nominees is Ghanaian Iñaki Williams, who is aiming for his third consecutive SPORTY LALIGA MVP, while continuing to lead Athletic Club towards European qualification.

Togo’s Djené Dakonam, captain of Getafe CF, remains a key contender, having played more minutes than any other African this season.

At Sevilla FC, Nigerian striker Akor Adams has enjoyed a breakthrough season, becoming the club’s top scorer, including a memorable goal in the 4-1 win over FC Barcelona.

Senegal’s AFCON champions Pape Gueye and Pathé Ciss have also impressed, helping Villarreal CF in their quest for the top four and contributing significantly to Rayo Vallecano’s strong La Liga and UEFA Conference League campaigns.

The 2025/26 LALIGA DEPORTIVA MVP nominees include:
– Iñaki Williams, Athletic Club (Ghana)
– Ilaix Moriba, RC Celta (Guinea)
– Grady Diangana, Elche CF (DR Congo)
– Charles Pickel, RCD Espanyol (DR Congo)
– Djené Dakonam, Getafe CF (Togo)
– Karl Etta Eyong, Levante UD (Cameroon)
– Omar Mascarell, RCD Mallorca (Equatorial Guinea)
– Enzo Boyomo, CA Osasuna (Cameroon)
– Pathé Ciss, Rayo Vallecano (Senegal)
– Nobel Mendy, Rayo Vallecano (Senegal)
– Rahim Alhassane, Real Oviedo (Niger)
– Eric Bailly, Real Oviedo (Ivory Coast)
– David Carmo, Real Oviedo (Angola)
– Kwasi Sibo, Real Oviedo (Ghana)
– Akor Adams, Sevilla FC (Nigeria)
– Chidera Ejuke, Sevilla FC (Nigeria)
– Mouctar Diakhaby, Valencia CF (Guinea)
– Pape Gueye, Villarreal CF (Senegal)
– Thomas Partey, Villarreal CF (Ghana)
– Nicolas Pépé, Villarreal CF (Ivory Coast)